Playing her first Grand Slam tournament in 19 months, wildcard Sharapova earned a 4-1 lead in the first set. The 27-year-old Sevastova came close to taking the set after recovering from the deficit, but the Russian stole the set with two amazing forehands in the 12th game. A single break in the second set was enough for Sevastova to force a decider, in which she quickly went 3-0 up, eventually winning the match by mixing up her shots and producing mighty defense. Final result: 5-7 6-4 6-2.

Since the encounter happened in the day session, Sharapova retains the perfect 20-0 record in night matches at the US Open.

Until last year’s run to the last eight, Sevastova had not contested the US Open main draw since 2011, as she fell in qualifying in 2012 and 2015, while she missed the event in 2013 and 2014 due to retirement from tour.

Next up for Sevastova is American Sloane Stephens, who has now won 12 of her last 14 matches with the fourth-round victory over seed No.30 Julia Goerges.

Bruce Fraser, it’s been proven Maria was not using the drug for health reasons…just google the info. That’s why she got the ban and lost her appeal. She and her team got the emails about Meldonium being banned, so she is guilty of just what was proven (hint: doping). Therefore, Maria who????? Glad she got dismissed today by Sevastova. “Go, Sevastova! Congrats to you, Sloane, and Venus on your win!!” #VENUSWILLIAMS:LIVINGLEGEND!

Obviously, she doesn’t need Meldonium to proof everyone that she is still a strong player and could reach 4th Round as she had performed in the past slams…..

Congratulations on a great run for your first slam!! It is not easy to win a slam on your first major after a while…not Azarenka, Kvitova and even Serena….. Getting to the second week and beating no.2 in the world in such an achievement and I congrats you Maria … and to those who doesn’t know who…it’s Maria S…H…A…R…A…P..O…V…A… ,

Good one, Sabey! Love it! Wake up from your slumber, Ferondi. Again, Maria who?????? She gets the “L”…the dream is over. She’ll never reach Serena’s level of play or anything near her accomplishments, N-E-V-E-R!! How about that other living legend, Venus Williams? The phenomenal 37-year-old just dismissed my girl Kvitova to reach the semi-final. Simply amazing! “Sorry, Petra, but I was cheering for Venus this time around.”

Claire, I love your response as well! Indeed, we all are witnessing how poorly Maria who? plays without her crutch drug. And then to lie repeatedly when questioned is what made me lose all respect for her.